Just off Hilton Head Island lies Daufuskie Island, which you’ve heard about if you’ve read Pat Conroy’s novel, The Water is Wide. This relaxed community offers a view into lowcountry island life before they were accessible by four lane highways. Most of the native residents are descendants of freed slaves, who have worked as fisherman and oyster fishers for generations. Explore the culture of the island at the Iron Fish, an art gallery featuring works by award winning metal sculptor Chase Allen, or take an eco-kayak or stand up paddleboard tour of the sensitive marshes and coastal environments.

Dauphin Island, AL

Head west from Orange Beach to Dauphin Island. Stop by the historic Civil War era Fort Morgan on your way to the fun 30 minute ferry ride and a quaint island of seafood, bird sanctuaries, parks, and deep sea fishing. See more history at Fort Gaines, and don’t forget your golf clubs and fishing pole. Don’t miss the informative Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in the sunset capital of Alabama. This is a fascinating trip into one of America’s most fragile and diverse ecosystems, and a throwback to a simpler time.

Tangier Island, VA

Step back in time at Tangier Island, a natural wonderland in the Chesapeake Bay near Ocean City, Maryland where crabbing is a way of life. Most of the transportation is by bicycle or golf cart, and residents often meet tour boats at the dock to give tours. Enjoy a meal of blue crab, stroll down the historic streets, stop for an ice cream, and enjoy the majestic bay views in this bucolic ocean front wonderland.

Ocracoke Island, NC

The slogan for Ocrakoke is “Where doing nothing means everything,” and it shows in the spectacularly mellow beaches and clear night skies. This southern Outer Banks island offers sun-soaked days of lighthouses, sea kayak excursions, sailing, and lazy bike rides. All of the beaches are owned by the National Park Service, which makes them unique and completely natural. Explore in the footsteps of the haunts of Blackbeard the Pirate, who met his fate by Captain Robert Maynard just off the island.

About the Author

About the Author: Pat Barcas serves as staff writer and photographer for RTX Traveler Magazine, based in Asheville, NC. His favorite RTX destinations are on the beach: Orange Beach, Alabama, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. More from this author.

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